Beer Can Regatta

Darwin, in the far north of Australia, has one of the highest beer consumption in the world. In 1974 the residents of the town came up with another use for their empty beer cans - the Beer Can Regatta (see photos).

Boats are made out of empty aluminum cans. Beer cans are the traditional building material, but the organizers now promote responsible drinking and a family friendly event, so all can types are allowed. The boats, if you can call them that, are raced from Mindil beach out to a buoy and back, powered by human paddlers.

The popularity of the event has dwindled recently, at its peak in 1986 it attracted more than 20,000 spectators.